NEWPORT, N.H. — You have heard of the saying, don’t judge a book by its cover. The same is true for a business name like Newport Senior Center. When we see the name Newport, we tend to automatically interpret that to mean that services are only available in Newport.
Although we are based in Newport, and we enjoy the small-town connections of Newport, our services reach far and wide throughout Sullivan County. The largest program offered is Sullivan County Nutrition Services (SCNS).
SCNS prepares, delivers, and serves 500 meals a day from the Newport Senior Center. This is done through Meals-on-Wheels, congregate meals, and grab-n-go meals. These programs provide support to older adults who may be experiencing food insecurity, seeking socialization, in need of temporary help due to medical care or disabled.
Meals-on-Wheels cannot happen without our dedicated Meals-on-Wheels drivers who deliver nutritious meals, a quick safety check and much needed human contact to our recipients. Without their commitment, recipients would be left to go to bed hungry, struggle to know where their next meal will come from or if they will have another meal.
For these reasons, our drivers discover delivering meals to homebound individuals to be gratifying and rewarding. However, with the older population growing at a faster pace than the workforce, the need for drivers is in high demand. Without drivers, older adults will have to be put on waitlist during their most difficult time of need.
Are you looking for a positive “lifestyle change” or in need of a break from your daily routine and do not know what to do? Have you ever considered becoming a Meals-on-Wheels driver and taking a bite out of food insecurity?
Becoming a Meals-on-Wheels driver is easy. You are in the driver’s seat. You make up your own schedule. You can commit to one day per week, every day of the week or a per diem driver as needed. If you are happy, friendly and enjoy helping others, we want to hear from you.
Maybe you do not like driving. We can still use your help. If you have a passion for food and enjoy making food with the special ingredient of love, the kitchen may be a better fit for you. The kitchen welcomes individuals who are able to help with prepping meals, bagging lunches, cooking and serving. If you are able to volunteer in a kitchen environment, stop in to see our kitchen and discuss how you can help us and those we serve.
Volunteer or job applications and background check forms are available at the Newport Senior Center during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
Other volunteer activities include gift shop attendant, program leader/instructor, fundraising to name just a few. Do not let the name “senior” scare you away. When you walk into the center, you will hear laughter that fills the rooms, life in the vibrant faces of those who count on the center for socialization, compassion and more knowledge in one place than a dictionary.
